So this seems like a basic question, but I'll ask anyway because I've seen varying answers. Our new trailer has one 20# propane tank. It generally looks just like a tank at your local Menards you can do an exchange on. However, there does appear to be a raised ridge around the perimeter about half way up. I'm guessing this may help keep it in place. The question is since I've just got what appears to be a standard tank is the best option to simply do a propane swap like I would for my grill? I could see some of the others options come into play if I had a bigger tank or more tanks but for just one 20# that seems the most logical. Correct?

Just remove the tank and go to any propane retailer (gas stations usually have them) and get it refilled. Exchanging at your local market will cost you about twice what it would cost if you just refiled your own.Ron

You should be able to swap it. A vertical 20 is a vertical 20 as far as I know. However, I don't exchange unless I absolutely have too; I get mine refilled. If you read the fine print an exchange tank from a hardware store is not full. A full tank contains 4.7 gallons. The exchange tank is usually around 3.7 gallons. Also, it's more expensive by the gallon. I've gotten my empty tanks filled with 4.7 gallons for around $17 to $19 depending on when and where. What's an exchange cost for a gallon less?

Tank swap is the most expensive way to get propane, and not recommended. You should get your own tank refilled at a propane dealer. Last time I looked, the swap places charged around 2-3 times what it's worth. You can find propane dealers who will refill your tank in most towns. RV dealers, big hardware stores, truck stops, and even some gas stations can do it. Ask around, save some money.Last time I refilled a 20, it cost me about $12.

cjunken wrote: there does appear to be a raised ridge around the perimeter about half way up. I'm guessing this may help keep it in place. I do not know what that is. Never seen it.

Can you post make and model of the tank?It should be stamped in the collar of it. Normal tank retainers clamp down on the collar.The website shows a horizontal clamp type ring, is this what you have? It should be able to secure any standard propane tank.

Propane Refill | Good Sam Community

mooky_stinks
Explorer
Aug 17, 2017
enblethen wrote:
Like to see them weigh my MH tank if sold by the pound!

They don't actually sell per pound. If it's a 20# tank they charge you for 20#s. 30#, they charge you for 30# and so on.
aftermath
Explorer III
Aug 17, 2017
Mr. Mooky,

Wow, that is a deal. Living on the west coast I have always paid by the gallon. I have two larger cylinders on my trailer and when near empty I pay close to $30 for a fill. Propane has been hanging just around $2.90 per gal lately. Reading this forum I learned that there are places where they sell by the pound. Weight the empty, fill it, weigh it again and charge accordingly. This really confused me. Glad that I could get even and confuse someone else. ;)
enblethen
Nomad
Aug 17, 2017
Like to see them weigh my MH tank if sold by the pound!
Community Alumni
Aug 17, 2017
mooky stinks wrote:
I find it amazing that in central New York state I have never heard of GALLONS of propane in my 54 years. Our local propane dealer charges $6.99 to refill a 20# cylinder. We run them out, or close to it, and then pay $6.99 + tax to get it re-filled. The exchange centers in front of Walmart, etc. usually charge $20 but of course that only gets you 15#s. Again pounds, not gallons. The only time I've ever heard of GALLONS of propane is on this forum.

That's odd. Every place I've had my tanks refilled sold propane by the gallon. The receipt always notes how many gallons went in and the rate per gallon. The popular places for refills like U-Haul and Tractor Supply all sell it by the gallon.
drsteve
Explorer
Aug 17, 2017
mooky stinks wrote:
I find it amazing that in central New York state I have never heard of GALLONS of propane in my 54 years. Our local propane dealer charges $6.99 to refill a 20# cylinder. We run them out, or close to it, and then pay $6.99 + tax to get it re-filled. The exchange centers in front of Walmart, etc. usually charge $20 but of course that only gets you 15#s. Again pounds, not gallons. The only time I've ever heard of GALLONS of propane is on this forum.

If you buy propane for home heating it is always priced per gallon.
mooky_stinks
Explorer
Aug 16, 2017
I find it amazing that in central New York state I have never heard of GALLONS of propane in my 54 years. Our local propane dealer charges $6.99 to refill a 20# cylinder. We run them out, or close to it, and then pay $6.99 + tax to get it re-filled. The exchange centers in front of Walmart, etc. usually charge $20 but of course that only gets you 15#s. Again pounds, not gallons. The only time I've ever heard of GALLONS of propane is on this forum.
time2roll
Nomad
Aug 16, 2017
Might be a high price but not a rip-off.
Price and quantity is fully disclosed... your choice to exchange or refill.
aftermath
Explorer III
Aug 16, 2017
I would never do the exchange thing. It is an expensive route but it is convenient at times. I always find the discussions about getting ripped off interesting. Some folks are quick to point these kinds of things out. I choose not to get all worked up about this because, if you pay by the gallon you will always pay for what you get, no more or no less. When you trade in you might have1 or 2 gallons left. You trade in for a full 5 gallon tank only to find out that it only has 4.5 gallons. So, you paid full price and only got maybe 3 gallons.

Avoid trade ins and you won't have to worry.
avoidcrowds
Explorer
Aug 16, 2017
I had been having my cylinders refilled at a local rental yard. In 10 years, it went from $11 for a refill, to $18.

I pass a welding-gas retailer on my way home from work sometimes, and I had my cylinder with me (stopped at Camping World for a half-price refill, and still had no refill activity after 20 minutes, and left), so I stopped to see how much they charge. $9! I will be getting them filled at that shop, from now on!
Boband4
Explorer
Aug 16, 2017
Let me add to the scare stories. I work at one of the places that recycles the old, rusty, dusty, uncertified tanks. (It is a scrapyard). We received a rough looking 20 lb tank, with an conglomeration of corroded pipe & nipples on the valve. One of our team recognized it as a waste tank from meth production, that had explosive characteristics. We had to quarantine the area, the bomb squad removed it, and then it was eventually disposed of (very expensively!) as hazardous waste. I tell this short story as a warning about picking up rusty, dusty unknown tanks from a forrest or field.

Forum Discussion

Propane Refill

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Propane Refill

On-board propane tank refill

Propane refills - how, where, and how much?

DEF refill

Do all motorhome propane tanks refill the same way?